Social Network Factory // People’s Architecture Office

Shenzhen, China

Architizer Editors

2021 A+Awards Finalist
Concepts > Architecture +Art

Project Status: Built

Year: 2019

Text description provided by the architects.

An art installation that activates public space, the Social Network Factory is located on the grounds of Design Society in Shekou, Shenzhen. The horns of the installation reach outward in multiple directions, mirroring the cantilevered volumes of the design museum by architect Fumihiko Maki. While Maki’s design directs views towards distant landscapes, the horns of the Social Network Factory project sounds and voices to immediately adjacent areas, including the waterfront promenade, gardens and museum entrance.

Functioning on a human scale, small horns allow people to speak indirectly to each other while large horns are occupiable and provide cover for social activities. The installation’s twisting tubes recall the maritime and industrial heritage of Shekou. They become telescopes, periscopes, and public furniture that facilitate the gathering of people.

The public is welcome to explore the Social Network Factory on their own terms. It is an instrument for discovering new and unexpected ways of aural, visual, and physical interaction. Client: Design Society Supported by: Design TrustLocation: Shenzhen, China Year: 2019Principals: He Zhe, James Shen, Zang FengProject architect: Lin Mingkai, Cui GangjianProject manager: Feng ZiqingTeam: Kong Ming, XiangWeixing, Liang Xiaomei, Xie Jun, Construction Consultant: Yu FengboAcoustic Consultant: Zhu Xiangdong, Zhu JiaxingMaterials: Iron-Carbon Alloy, PVC.